China’s WBC goal: Get better every day

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — “Our motto is ‘Get Better Every Day.'”

Team China World Baseball Classic manager John McLaren is not placing lofty expectations on his club for this March’s WBC, but that doesn’t mean he’s throwing in the towel.

“When you’re the Dominican Republic, the United States, Japan or Korea, you’re thinking about the big trophy at the end,” McLaren said. “We’re not at that stage yet. We’re still in the development stages, trying to set a foundation for the next generation. We’re trying to help push baseball as a sport in China. I’m not conceding, but I’m realistic. Just winning a game is monumental to us.”

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McLaren, who never reached the big leagues as a player but has coached for the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Reds, Mariners, Rays, Nationals and Phillies since 1986, is currently the bullpen coach for Philadelphia. The 65-year-old is coaching his second WBC for Team China and his third overall; he was the third-base coach with the American team in 2006.

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“I have been involved with China since 2011, when I did some camps in Europe,” McLaren said. “I like their vision, and it’s my way of giving back to baseball. I’m an international baseball fanatic because I think baseball brings people …

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